WASHINGTON, May 23 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. government on Thursday slapped new sanctions on Iran's 20 individuals and entities for their involvement in Tehran's nuclear and missile programs.

In a written statement, the Department of Treasury accused these individuals and entities of "moving supplies and providing essential services to Iran's clandestine nuclear and weapons programs." Full story

TEHRAN, May 28 (Xinhua) -- Iranian reformist presidential candidate Mohammad-Reza Aref said Tuesday that he will defend Iran 's "peaceful nuclear rights" if he wins the presidential election on June 14.

Peaceful use of nuclear technology is Iran's strategic policy and he will be committed to this principle, said Aref who was Iran 's first vice president from 2001 to 2005 under former reformist President Mohammad Khatami. Full story